The Sarnia Sting organization and Finch Ford Lincoln are hoping to collect over 4,500 plush toys during the annual Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday.
The Sting will host the Flint Firebirds at Progressive Auto Sales Arena on November 30.
Sting Director of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships Jake Bourrie said the Teddy Bear Toss game is typically sold out, so they're hoping each attendee can bring one toy.
"When the Sting score their first goal of the game, fans are encouraged to throw a new plush toy onto the ice, which is then carefully collected by Sting operations, as well as Finch Ford Lincoln," he said.
The toys are taken back to the local dealership to count the total and divvy them between local charitable organizations such as Sarnia's Salvation Army, Inn of the Good Shepherd, and Women's Interval Home.
Other organizations that could benefit from the initiative are encouraged to contact the Sting.
"We've got lots to go around," Bourrie said.
Last year, over 4,600 stuffed toys were thrown onto the ice.
"It's certainly one of our most popular games. It's marked on the calendar for many in the community each year," Bourrie said. "It kind of kicks off the Christmas season for us so we're very grateful to have the support from Sting nation to help us put this event on."
Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the Teddy Bear Toss has helped collect over 80,000 plush toys for children in the community.
You can hear the Sarnia Sting the game live on CHOK (103.9FM/1070AM). Puck drops at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday.
